Newborn Cuddling Is the Best Volunteering You Can Do This Holiday Season

Newborn Cuddling Is the Best Volunteering You Can Do This Holiday Season

How about volunteering for “cuddle therapy,” when you could literally cuddle newborn babies?

http://www.huggies.com

Share

By Everyday Family

Yesterday, I posted a call-out on my Facebook page asking my fellow moms for ideas about how my family could volunteer this holiday season. I genuinely have been looking for some ways to give back and get involved.

I received some great ideas, such as donating toys or performing random acts of kindness around town, like dropping off hot chocolate to bell ringers or paying for someone’s meal, and I was grateful for all the responses.

But, guys. Clearly I should have read about this opportunity first, because it has to be the single greatest volunteer gig on the planet: how about volunteering for “cuddle therapy,” when you could literally cuddle newborn babies?

The benefits of cuddle therapy include stabilizing the baby’s temperature, helping them deal with the stress of the hospital noise and light and environment, and even helping them to gain weight. Babies are meant to be held, so it all makes sense.

The newborns that generally need the cuddle therapy are patients in the NICU unit and may need extra care because their parents can not be there 24/7 or they may be infants whose parents are unavailable for different reasons. During nursing school, I
did get to perform cuddle therapy on several infants who were unfortunately abandoned at the hospital or whose parents were unable to care for them due to drug addictions. It was very sad and I’ll never forget holding those babies, because it was a
healing time for both of us.

Want to sign up to be a professional baby cuddler? Call up your local hospital and ask for volunteer opportunities, especially if they have a NICU unit. You’ll most likely need to go through some training (it’s usually free) and get a background check,
along with drug testing, but the benefits of giving back in a way that literally lets you cuddle babies all day will be well worth the time trade-off.

And although my arms are full at the moment with my own kiddos at home, I can’t wait to give back someday at the hospital again. There are babies to be held and even though it’s a tough job, someone has to do it, right?

How do you plan on giving back this holiday season?

This article was written by EverydayFamily from Everyday Family and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher
network.

Image : Getty

Newborn Cuddling Is the Best Volunteering You Can Do This Holiday Season

How about volunteering for “cuddle therapy,” when you could literally cuddle newborn babies?

If you’re looking to create new traditions for your growing family, check out the simple ideas below that have the potential to bring joy for years to come.

http://www.huggies.com

Share

There’s no time of year that inspires a love of tradition like the holidays. Whether it’s pajamas on Christmas eve, a barefoot run in the first snow of the season, or heading out with your extended family for a winter meal, most parents are excited
to pass along their own childhood traditions to their children. If your family growing up didn’t indulge in many traditions you enjoy, or if you’re looking to create some new traditions for your growing family, check out the simple ideas below that
have the potential to bring joy for years to come!

1. A special meal

Just because it’s supposed to be special doesn’t mean it has to be fancy. Pick a family favorite that’s homemade (like grandma’s chicken-pot-pie) or delivery (Chinese or pizza anyone?) and a consistent day (like the day after Thanksgiving) and make a
note to repeat this meal every year. Let your kids know it’s a tradition that you plan to carry on and they’ll begin to look forward to all year!

2. A special story

This holiday season, scour the bookstore for a story you love. Once you’ve found one that resonates, take it home and make a point to pull it out only on your special, designated day. Some families have a special story for Thanksgiving while other prefer
to save their tale for Christmas or New Year’s Eve. Try to pick a story that will grow with your kids and that, years from now, they’ll think of whenever they think of the holiday.

3. An annual craft

Time flies and, years from now when your kiddos are grown, you’ll be glad to have a craft, hand-made by them each year, to look back on. If you decorate a Christmas tree, consider snapping their picture and letting them turn it into an ornament each year.
If gratitude is important to your family, perhaps let them write out their ‘top ten grateful for” lists each year. When they’re small you can write out what they say and let them decorate the page, as they grow they’ll become more independent as they
craft!

4. A tradition of giving back

If there’s a cause that close to your families heart, consider finding a way to give back that you can do each year. There are many ways to volunteer as a family and, if you start now, your little ones will find more and more joy in volunteering as they
get older and begin to understand the impact they can have on the world. Whether you’re packing food at the food bank, raising money for a specific disease, or giving your time to a local non-profit that serves animals, volunteering – and doing so as
a family – is what’s important.

5. A special gift

Many winter holidays incorporate gift giving. This year, consider choosing a gift that you’ll give each year, even if there are some variations as to what it will look like. Maybe matching pajamas or cozy slippers are something your kiddos would appreciate
each year. Or maybe movie tickets good for Christmas day. As your kids grow they’ll look forward to the gift they know is coming every year!

Do you have any holiday traditions you are passing on to your children?

This article was written by EverydayFamily from Everyday Family and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.

Image : Getty

If you’re looking to create new traditions for your growing family, check out the simple ideas below that have the potential to bring joy for years to come.

5 Ways to Give Back with Baby in Tow

There are still plenty of ways you can give back to your community in a way that works with your current family needs! Check out the list below for ideas.

http://www.huggies.com

Share

By Everyday Family

For many families, giving back to the community is an important part of the holiday season. When you have a baby or toddler in tow, though, it can be difficult to engage with volunteer opportunities that require you to be at a specific place, at a specific
time, doing a specific task. When the time, place, or task isn’t compatible with bringing along a baby (it’s tough to serve meals at the soup kitchen with an active toddler along for the ride!) and getting child care just isn’t feasible, your inability
to volunteer may feel disheartening. Though you may not be as hands-on as you’d like to be this year, there are still plenty of ways you can give back to your community in a way that works with your current family needs! Check out the list below for
ideas.

1. Shop for a child in need

One of the easiest ways to give back during the holidays is to shop for a child or a family in need. If you have the means, consider looking into what local organizations collect toys, clothing, or gifts and distribute them to families during the holidays.
You’ll probably see a display outlining what you can do at your local mall but, if not, consider reaching out to a few non-profits and asking what their clients might be in need of this year.

2. Hold an item drive

If you want to help more than just one individual or family, consider organizing an item drive. Your child’s school, your church, or your local community organization may be excited to co-host with you and to offer their members a way to give back. Pick
a local non-profit, find out what they need, and set out organizing. Put up flyers and notices and a collection box or bin and be ready to publicize the event using whatever means the organization you partner with uses to get the word out about other
events and activities. Generally, drives that ask participants to bring things they may already have at home, such as canned food, gently used coats, gloves, or hats, or good-condition children’s books are the most successful!

3. Use your skills

If you don’t have money to spare or feel able to organize an item drive, think about the skills you DO have and use those. Are you a fabulous knitter? Consider knitting blankets for babies at the local hospital. Are you skilled at website design? Reach
out and offer your services for free to a non-profit that could benefit. Are you a great writer or artist? Consider donating your talent to an organization that needs someone to design promotional materials. Think about whatever you’re already good
at and look for ways you can use your skills to give back!

4. Spread holiday cheer through baked goods

Everyone (even those who couldn’t follow a recipe if their life depended on it) can bake cookies from store-bought dough. This year, consider baking some sweet treats and delivering them to people in the community who might enjoy them. The elderly neighbor
who doesn’t get a lot of visitors would surely appreciate you stopping by as would any local emergency responders, staff at a local hospital or nursing home, or the teachers at your little one’s daycare or preschool.

5. Get your kiddo in on the fun

Just because your old favorite ways to volunteer aren’t possible with your little one doesn’t mean that you’re out of options. Call around to local organization to see what family volunteer opportunities exist and, when you find something that might work
for your family, get your kiddo in on the fun and joy of giving back!

How do you give back during the holidays?

This article was written by EverydayFamily from Everyday Family and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.

Image : Getty

5 Ways to Give Back with Baby in Tow

There are still plenty of ways you can give back to your community in a way that works with your current family needs! Check out the list below for ideas.

4 Tips to Keep Your Toddler Occupied as You Nurse Your New Baby

The most important things you can do involve keeping your toddler safe and occupied while you nurse. Check out the tips below to see how it’s done.

http://www.huggies.com

Share

By Everyday Family

If you breastfed your first baby, you probably remember gathering all your supplies, sitting down for the duration, and focusing on helping your little one latch and eat properly. If you’re pregnant with your second baby and plan to nurse them as well,
you might be wondering just how you’ll make it work. While nursing mothers of two or more kids report that it’s definitely a bit less relaxing, it’s also totally doable. Along with naturally becoming more flexible with where, when, and what position
you nurse in, the most important things you can do involve keeping your toddler safe and occupied while you nurse. Check out the tips below to see how it’s done.

1. Choose the right place to nurse

There’s nothing more frustrating than finally getting your newborn latched on in a great position and then having to jump up to prevent your toddler from climbing furniture or toppling something breakable. Choose one room in your home to totally toddler-proof
and make that your go-to nursing spot. If your toddler is a runner, don’t hesitate to put up a gate or latch the door to ensure they stay with you throughout.

2. Give your toddler a job

Many toddlers love helping. Choose a way that they can “help” you as you feed the baby, say by getting the burp cloth or singing to the baby, and ask them to do their job each time. Once they feel included, many toddlers are much more likely to let
you dedicate your attention to the baby.

3. Save their favorite toys for nursing time

If your toddler has a favorite toy that they’ll play with for longer than any other, choose to pull this toy out only during nursing times. Be sure to choose a toy that’s not only your little one’s favorite, but also one that they’re able to play
with independently.

4. Choose screen-time options wisely

If you allow screen time in your home, consider making nursing time your little one’s screen time. Choose a show that meshes in length with your newborns nursing sessions and set the expectation in advance that once the show is over, the screen goes off.

How do you keep your toddler occupied while you nurse?

This article was written by EverydayFamily from Everyday Family and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.

Image : Getty

4 Tips to Keep Your Toddler Occupied as You Nurse Your New Baby

The most important things you can do involve keeping your toddler safe and occupied while you nurse. Check out the tips below to see how it’s done.

5 Creative Ways to Preserve Your Baby’s Going Home Outfit

5 Creative Ways to Preserve Your Baby’s Going Home Outfit

Check out the ideas below for hanging on to those first-outfit memories.

http://www.huggies.com

Share

By Everyday Family

As parents prepare for their little one’s birth, most put a lot of thought into the “going home” outfit their baby will wear when the family leaves the hospital. Whether you’ve chosen a simple, classic sleeper or a more elaborate celebratory outfit, it’s
a very special garment that you’ll likely feel sentimental about. Babies grow quickly, so within weeks the outfit likely won’t fit anymore and you’ll want to find a way to preserve it (and the special memories that go along with it) forever. Check out
the ideas below for hanging on to those first-outfit memories.

1. Make a going-home shadow box

In the first days of their life, your baby will acquire a few items that you’ll likely want to hold on to, including their first outfit, comb, hat, and hospital bracelet. Instead of saving these items separately, tack them into a shadowbox along with
your baby’s birth announcement and a picture or two and hang it in the nursery. As your baby grows you’ll be amazed that they were ever so small!

2. Sew a piece of it into a quilt

If you’re crafty, consider sewing a piece of your little one’s first outfit into a keepsake quilt. If you’re no so crafty but still love the idea, there are a number of custom quilters on Etsy who will happily complete the craft for you. In the years
to come, as your little one’s snuggles under their quilt, they’ll feel special knowing what it contains.

3. Save it for future siblings

If you pick an outfit that you like the first time around, consider saving and reusing it for any future siblings. The side-by-side pictures will be both adorable and meaningful!

4. Take your month-to-month pictures in it

If you choose an outfit in a size larger than newborn (say 6-9 months) they’ll probably be swimming in it in their newborn picture and busting out of it by the time they reach 12 months. Keeping them in the same outfit for these monthly pictures allows
you to see just how much they’ve grown each month!

5. Tuck it away in a special memory box

Some parents are sentimental but not particularly crafty or artistic. If this is you, don’t feel bad about simply tucking the outfit in a special box and pulling it out from time to time when you’re feeling nostalgic about your little one’s growth.

What do you want to do with your little one’s going home outfit?

This article was written by EverydayFamily from Everyday Family and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.

Image : Getty

5 Creative Ways to Preserve Your Baby’s Going Home Outfit

Check out the ideas below for hanging on to those first-outfit memories.

How to Grow Your Baby’s Language Skills: First Year

Just like any other developmental milestone, children develop speech and language skills in a predictable manner, yet each child differs greatly.

http://www.huggies.com

Share

By Everyday Family

Believe it or not, your child begins developing receptive (understanding) and expressive (talking) language skills right after birth. Children will progress through specific babbling stages leading up to their first word, which typically occurs around
their first birthday. Just like any other developmental milestone, children develop speech and language skills in a predictable manner, yet each child differs greatly.

Babbling has long and short groups of sounds (example: “tata” “upup bibibibi”)

Babbling is used to get and keep a person’s attention more often than crying

Gestures are used for communication—waving or holding arms to be picked up

Can imitate different speech sounds

Two words (hi, dog, dada, mama) emerge around the first birthday, although sounds may not be clear

Ways to Support Language Development

1. If your child has ear infections, pay attention to his or her ability to hear. If you have any concerns at all, or if the infections are reoccurring, your child may need to be seen
by an otolaryngologist.

2. Developmental opportunity is needed in order for your child to meet early speech and language milestones. Incorporate language into your everyday routines. Talk to your child about what you are doing during these routines. (e.g., “It’s time to change your diaper.”)

3. It is never “too early” to start reading to your kids. Babies love to feel the warmth of your body and the cadence of your voice as you read to them. At 3 months, infants begin to notice colors and
shapes, and they start to focus briefly on pictures. Between 6 and 8 months, babies will begin to explore a book by touching, turning, and tasting pages. Share books with bright, colorful, and realistic pictures of people, everyday objects, and daily
activities.

4. Help your child learn how to imitate actions such as clapping, blowing kisses, and waving bye-bye. These games are important in developing turn-taking skills that are used for conversation. 5. Near 9 to 12 months, begin to label body parts
on your child. Babies love music and songs, so make up a silly song that incorporates the body parts into the lyrics.

The first year of your child’s life is an emotional roller coaster that will be over before you know it. Enjoy watching and listening to your baby’s cries, babbles, and first words.

How do you plan on supporting your child’s language development during the first year?

This article was written by EverydayFamily from Everyday Family and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.

Image : Getty

How to Grow Your Baby’s Language Skills: First Year

Just like any other developmental milestone, children develop speech and language skills in a predictable manner, yet each child differs greatly.

Transitional Playroom Design: Ideas That Grow With Your Child

Transitional Playroom Design: Ideas That Grow With Your Child

Creating a bedroom or playroom that grows as baby develops can be a life saver for mom and dad. We talked to design experts about how to create a long-lasting bedroom or playroom for your child that will withstand the transition from baby to toddler years, and even beyond.

Creating a bedroom or playroom that grows as baby develops can be a life saver for mom and dad. As you plan a living space for your little one, incorporating long-term furniture pieces, timeless decor, and items that encourage development will all help you not only stretch your decorating dollars — but build a space baby will love for many years to come.

Creating the perfect playroom for your baby can seem daunting. Color schemes, furniture, decor — where do you start? We talked to design experts about how to create a long-lasting bedroom or playroom for your child that will withstand the transition from baby to toddler years, and even beyond.

Think ahead

When mapping out your new baby’s living space, consider designs you love. “Design (the room) in a way you will enjoy and that will soothe you,” says Sherri Blum Schuchart of Jack and Jill Interiors Inc. (jackandjillinteriors.com). “In several years, your baby will have an opinion and should definitely have a say in how the room transitions into a room he or she can be proud of, and that reflects his or her individual style.” But right now, your baby only needs a few things: love, safety, food, and comfort. You’ll be spending countless hours feeding and loving the baby in the nursery and playroom, so make sure the design and decor feel right for you.

Transitional elements

Convertible crib

“Consider buying a convertible crib rather than a traditional crib that serves no purpose for the child once they outgrow the crib stage,” suggests Blum Schuchart. “There are dozens of convertible cribs on the market today that transition from crib to toddler bed, and even later into full-size bed. This saves parents from needing to buy a completely new piece of furniture in the future.”

When shopping for your crib, be sure to first do your research and check for current crib safety standards.

Dresser

Instead of a changing table, consider securing a changing pad to the top of a dresser or in the main opening of a media center. These furniture pieces will long outlive a changing table, and can be used down the road to house toys, clothes, and more.

Shelves and open bookcases

Safely securing shelves and open bookcases in your child’s play space will give you a place to stow toys and baby supplies now — and a spot that later can house your child’s favourite books, stuffed animals, clothes, or knickknacks.

Armchair

Instead of a nursing glider, look for a comfy, padded armchair. A solid, timeless chair silhouette can be reupholstered as your baby grows to fit her developing and evolving style.

Image: Thinkstock

Transitional Playroom Design: Ideas That Grow With Your Child

Creating a bedroom or playroom that grows as baby develops can be a life saver for mom and dad. We talked to design experts about how to create a long-lasting bedroom or playroom for your child that will withstand the transition from baby to toddler years, and even beyond.

Five Fabulous Warm Weather Activities for Dad and Baby

Five Fabulous Warm Weather Activities for Dad and Baby

Here are five ideas for daddy-baby warm weather fun.

http://www.huggies.com

Share

By Rebecca Levey

Flowers are budding and new green leaves are sprouting on trees, sure signs that the weather is turning warmer and summer is right around the corner. Springtime is the perfect time to start taking your baby for outside excursions and activities.
For dads, that can mean special bonding time while enjoying nature and exploring new sights and sounds for baby. We’ve got five ideas for daddy-baby warm weather fun.

Take a Hike

With a special hiking backpack made for safely transporting baby you can walk a local, easy level hiking trail. Be sure to pack extra diapers, sunscreen, food and bottles so that you’re prepared for the length of the
hike. Stop often to point out new and interesting fauna and flora to your baby.

Make Baby Part of Your Workout

Jogging strollers allow you to take baby out for a run. Babies love the speed and you’ll love the company. Pick a scenic path through a park or along the beach so baby can enjoy the scenery. Pack a picnic
blanket in the stroller basket so you can end your run with some relaxing one-on-one time while lounging on the grass.

Shop Your Local Farmer’s Market

Once the weather turns warm your local farmer’s market will be overflowing with fresh produce, flowers and home baked goods. Your baby will delight in looking at all of the brightly colored fruits
and vegetables, smelling the flowers and being a part of the lively shopping experience. Visiting a farmers market is a great way to expose your baby to new foods, sights and smells, while spending quality time with them.

Get in the Water

Signing up for a daddy/baby swim class at a local pool can be a safe and enjoyable way to introduce your baby to the water, and teach you methods for engaging with your baby in the water. Don’t forget the sunscreen if
you’re outside, and swim diapers are a must. An added benefit of signing up for a regular swim class is that you will meet other dads and expand your dad community.

Get Your Groove On

Outdoor concerts are a fantastic way to listen to music with your baby. Check local parenting group list serves or your local papers for event listings and seek out family friendly bands playing near you
in a local parks, outdoor theaters and other al fresco venues. Dancing with your baby, or just relaxing together while listening to songs, is a great way to spend an hour. And the best part of an outdoor concert is that if you’re baby starts to
get fussy you can easily pack up and leave – or put them down for a nap in their stroller.

No matter how you choose to spend time outdoors with your baby, the most important thing is that you are making the most of the wonderful weather, together. Enjoy it!

What to do during your Spring Staycation

What to do during your Spring Staycation

Here are some fun ideas to help you celebrate springtime a little closer to home.

http://www.huggies.com

Share

By Karen Grimaldos

Everyone feels like celebrating when the weather starts to warm up. But even though many people may take a holiday vacation at this time, not everyone has the luxury of being able to take off for an extended spring break trip. So if you’re not going to
be jetting away to some exotic locale—no worries! What matters most is quality time with your little ones, family and friends. Here are some fun ideas to help you celebrate springtime a little closer to home.

Swim in the hotel pool.

Even if you’re not traveling, you can still experience the favorite part of every toddler’s vacation—swimming in the pool—without paying for an expensive hotel stay and meals. Many upscale city hotels and country resorts offer reasonably priced day passes
that are made for people who just want to use the pool facilities and skip the overnight stay. With just a little research, you could find the perfect spot for a hotel pool getaway near you. Have worry-free water play with Huggies Little Swimmers disposable
swim pants , now with your child’s favorite characters.

Go on a baby animal safari.

Springtime means babies in the animal world. Head to your local zoo, or a farm or nature center, and spend the day exploring to see if you can spot any newborns. Load up a backpack with safari gear such as binoculars, a magnifying glass and a mini notebook
and colored pencils for drawing. Point out interesting animal behaviors to your little one and compare and contrast the care the baby animals receive to how you took care of your child when he was a baby.

Get your hands dirty.

If weather allows, get in the dirt outside and plant something. Playing with dirt and mud is a great hands-on sensory activity for toddlers. You can also do this activity indoors by planting seeds in pots and talking about how plants grow. By checking
the pots every day, you and your toddler can watch the entire life cycle of a plant unfold, by watching the seed develop into a seedling and eventually an adult plant.

Host a “springathon” playdate.

Reach out to other moms and parents and invite them and their little ones to an extended playdate. After playing outdoors, serve up a simple spring-themed lunch by using flower shaped cookie cutters to make a variety of sandwiches, then serve up a salad
of spring greens and help the kids make their own flower pot dessert. Wrap things up with a story time activity, featuring spring-themed books read by the parents in the group.

Make a bird feeder.

Early spring is actually a great time to feed the birds in your neighborhood because there aren’t many natural seed sources available for them at this time. And don’t worry, making your bird feeder doesn’t have to involve using a hammer, nails and wood.
There are lots of toddler-friendly ideas available online that require little more than birdseed, twine and peanut butter or vegetable shortening. You can use empty toilet paper rolls, pinecones and even hollowed out orange rinds to create your birdfeeder
and have lots of springtime fun.

Image : Getty

What to do during your Spring Staycation

Here are some fun ideas to help you celebrate springtime a little closer to home.

Introducing the New Huggies® Rewards

Our Points Structure Has Changed

We are changing our Rewards Points structure so that we can improve our Huggies® Rewards program to offer you more ways to earn points. So, we are multiplying the cost of Rewards items by 10. But don't worry, your points balance is also multiplied by 10!

See How Rewards Has Changed

Watch this helpful video to learn more about all of the great improvements made to the Huggies® Rewards program.

Say Goodbye to Rewards Codes

You asked, we listened! Introducing two new ways to get your Huggies® Rewards Points when you buy: submitting a receipt and loyalty card linking — exclusively for Huggies® Rewards.

Submit Your Receipts

There's a faster way to get your Huggies® Rewards Points! Earn points by uploading and submitting a photo of your receipt for all Huggies® Diapers and Wipes. You'll even get 2x the points for your first receipt submission!

Get More Points!

New Huggies® Rewards App

Get the most out of your Huggies® Rewards experience. The new Rewards app has all the same great features as the website, right at your fingertips. Available in the App Store® and get it on Google Play™.

Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

Android, Google Play, and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Huggies wipes and diapers are a MUST in my house! It was love at first use! I have been faithful to huggies since my first son (seven years ago) and we will continue to be with my youngest son...! We love you huggies!!! ♡♡♡

I love these diapers!!!!! I tried pampers on my daughter but she would pee through them and then tried luvs and found out she is allergic to them. Then I tried theses out and they work the best with her. She sleeps through the night in one and doesn't pee though it.